Brief case



S. B. REUBEN RIEF CASE Filed May 2, 1940 L?- #L ,-,2 LV 2 Patented Dec. 24, 1940 UNITED STATES 2,226,387 Reissue!) AUG 251942 PATENT OFFICE BRIEF CASE Simon B. Reuben, Chicago, Ill. Application May 2, 1940, Serial No. 333,010 z Claims. (ci. 281-19) The invention relates to brief cases, and more particularly to .brief cases which are equipped with loose leaf binders and used as portfolios.

It is often desirable to convert a portfolio into a brief case, especially where a large number of les or books are to be carried.

It, therefore, constitutes one of the objects of the invention to provide a portfolio with a removable binder to,enable conversion to an ordnary brief case.

A further object aims at providing a removable binder with the securing means permanently attached to the binder. y

A still further object constitutes the provision of a portfolio which, after the elimination of the binder, leaves the inside smooth and neat in appearance.

It is a still further object to releasably secure the binder in such manner that, upon removal of the binder holes are visible in the inside, so that the portfolio substantiallyhas the appearance of a'n ordinary brief case. No holes are visible on the outside'thereof.

With these and other important objects in view, the invention comprises the means described in the following specification, particularly pointed out in the claims-forming a part thereof, and illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of an opened portfolio constructed in accordance with my invention,

Fig. 2 is an enlarged section on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 -is a fragmentary top plan view of the backof the portfolio with the binding mechanism removed, and

Fig. 4 is a perspective view ofl a retaining bar to which the binding mechanism is secured.

Referring to the several views in the drawing.

the portfolio comprises a front cover lli and a i rear cover Il connected by an integral back l2. As is well known, the edges of the cover are folded over and a strip of cloth Il is secured by a seam Il thereto. A slide fastener l5 is secured to from the portfolio, only two smallv the inner edge of the strip i3 and is actuated by a handle I5 when the covers are brought together to close the portfolio.

The binder mechanism, which per se does not form a part of the invention, includes a casing i6, sectionalized rings I1 and a bar i8 in the casing. The covers and back have an inner lining I9.

Between the lining i9 and the back a longitudinal bar zo is interposed, which has bosses 2|.

The bosses are provided with threaded bores. 'I'he bosses extend through apertures 22 in the lining.

As shown in Fig. 2, a screw 23 is permanently attached to the binding by having its shank 24 provided with a circumferential groove 25 in to which the edge of an aperture 26 extends. The lower reduced end 21 is threaded and is adapted to be screwed home into the bosses.

It is obvious that the binding mechanism may be removed by loosening the screws 23 and, after such removal, nothing is visible but the upper end of the bosses 2l, so that a neat appearance is afforded on the inside of the portfolio even though the binding mechanism is removed.

While the drawing shows one embodiment of the invention. various changes and alterations may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. All such changes and altera-` tions are included, which constitute departures within the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a portfolio having a back, a. binding mechanism. apertured bosses in the back of the portfolio and terminating flush therewith, and

screws permanently attached to said binding mechanism and adapted to enter said bosses.

2. In a portfolio having a back, a bar concealed within the back of the portfolio and provided with one or more bosses substantially flush with the top surface of the back. a binding mechanism, and screws removably securing said binding mechanism to said bosses.

SIMON B. REUBEN. 

